The Seamos Saludables Study: A Randomized Controlled Physical Activity Trial of Latinas

BackgroundLatinas in the U.S. are less physically active than non-Latino white women and also report higher levels of diabetes, obesity, and other conditions related to inactivity. Interventions are needed to address disparities in this high-risk group.PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of a culturally adapted, Spanish-language, individually tailored, computer expert system–driven physical activity print-based intervention for adult Latinas.DesignRCT.Setting/participantsParticipants were 266 inactive adult Latinas who participated between 2009 and 2012.InterventionParticipants were randomized to one of two treatment arms: a 6-month tailored physical activity intervention condition or wellness contact control. For both conditions, print materials were delivered by mail.Main outcome measuresThe main outcome measure was change in weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) measured by the 7-Day Physical Activity Recall interview, which was administered at baseline and post-intervention (6 months). Participants also wore accelerometers for a week at baseline and follow-up. Analyses were conducted in 2013.ResultsIncreases in minutes/week of MVPA measured by the 7-Day PAR were significantly greater in the intervention group compared to the control group (mean difference=41.36, SE=7.93, p<0.01). This difference was corroborated by accelerometer readings (rho=0.44, p<0.01). Further, results indicate that intervention participants had greater increases in self-efficacy, cognitive processes, and behavioral processes at 3 months compared to control paricipants (p’s<0.05).ConclusionsThe tailored Spanish-language intervention was effective in increasing MVPA among predominantly low-income, less-acculturated Latinas. Such print-based interventions are poised for widespread dissemination, and thus may help address health disparities.